"Yeah, isn't it horrible how we manage to disappoint our mothers so much?" Crystal asked, turning the fake page. "Mine didn't even get a high school graduate. I can just imagine what she'd put in hers." Crystal shifted slightly and pretended to be her own mother opening a scrapbook. "Oh look, here's my Patty and Crystal with the police officer right after they were caught taking candy bars from Coulson's drug store. Oh, and here's my little angels with another nice police officer after they were banned from the mall for shoplifting."

"At least you were consistent," Laura joked.

"Yeah, she probably figured we'd be in jail by the time we were adults," Crystal said with a touch of bitterness in her voice. "Jail or shacked up with some useless drunk and a couple of kids like her."

"That's the wonderful thing about being an adult," Laura said gently. "We don't have to live up, or live down as the case may be, to our parent's expectations. Like it or not, we all disappoint our mothers at some point or another. Look at me, I may not be in quite the same position as you but I'm certainly not the devoted military wife that my mother thought I'd be. You think she proudly touts me to all her friends?" She shook her head. "Trust me, Mom talks about Bobby graduating and which college he's off to but she tries her damnedest not mention me to her friends."

"Why? I mean, you have your degree and all. You're a writer and all that."

"A lesbian mystery writer," Laura clarified. "If she mentions that I'm a writer, they want to go buy the book and that's the last thing she wants to happen. You have to remember my parents are republicans. They're still not thrilled with the don't ask, don't tell rule."

"But I saw her here that day. She seemed happy with you."

"Oh she is for the most part," Laura said. "There's just certain things about my life that she doesn't like, my sexuality being number one of course. But it's not just that. Mom likes theater, I don't. She likes long boring trips to museums and art galleries. I'd rather go bowling or play softball. I'm not the daughter she imagined I would be and that's not always the easiest thing for a parent to handle. There was a time when she would find excuses not to stop over when Jenny and I were together but that was a long time ago. She's gotten past that and accepted me as I am, differences and all."

"Must be nice," Crystal said, shifting back into a more comfortable position on the couch. "I don't think my mother could ever accept me." Running her fingers through her blonde hair quickly, she added. "You know something? It's nice to know your life isn't perfect either." Laura laughed. "Far from it, Crystal. I have problems just like you do, it's just that I have a different set. We're not so different." "Like night and day you neat freak."

"You might be right about that, chimney stack," the writer teased back. "But I think I'll keep you around anyway." The comment earned Laura a rare full smile from her roommate. "Now there's something I like to see."

"Yeah well don't get used to it," Crystal growled playfully. "I wouldn't want it to get around and ruin my reputation."

Laura picked the remote up from coffee table and turned the television on. "I think there's a basketball game on tonight. You like women's college basketball?"

"I don't follow it or anything but if I see it on I might watch it once in a while," Crystal said, watching the channels flick by as Laura repeatedly pressed the button. When the dizzying pictures stopped, it was on the game. "I'm going to get something to drink. You want anything?" Laura asked as she got up.

"Beer but I think I'm out. You got any cola?"

"Just bought some. You want it straight or with that rotgut you drink?"

Crystal hopped off the couch and headed for the stairs. "I like my drinks with a little kick in them," she said. "Just get the glass, I'll take care of mixing it."

While Crystal was upstairs, Laura went to the kitchen. How much can she drink at this hour? Not more than a couple, I'm sure. She has to work in the morning. Humming a familiar tune to herself, Laura opened the cupboard and removed two glasses. So you were worried about me, hmm? I bet that's something you haven't done in a while. Laura was certain the walls Crystal had put up were quickly crumbling. While she hasn't meant to reveal the reason behind her breakup with Jenny, Laura realized it was important for her to be able to reveal her secrets to Crystal if she wanted her roommate to continue to share personal things. A brightly colored glass almost completely hidden in the back of the cupboard caught her attention. I forgot all about this one, she thought as she pulled it out and looked at it. Perfect. This has to make her smile. Putting away the glass she originally chose for Crystal, Laura filled both with ice and was just opening the soda when her roommate came down the stairs.

"Sorry, took me a minute to find it," the blonde said, walking into the kitchen and unscrewing the top of her bottle. The distinct scent that followed her told Laura the real reason she took so long.

"No problem. I'm surprised you can find anything in that disaster area." Had to take a couple of hits while you were up there, didn't you? One of these days you'll see you don't need that to protect yourself. I won't hurt you. "So what kind of a drink is this one going to be? A little taste of the grain or is this a killer knock you under the table drink?"

Crystal laughed and began pouring the whiskey into the glass. "This is an average end of the day, sit back and relax drink." "Oh, three parts whiskey, one part soda?"

"Don't forget about thei.e.that has to count too," Crystal said.

"Yes, you're right. Three parts whiskey, one part soda, one parti.e.Better?"

"Now you've got it." In reality Crystal only poured the equivalent of one shot of liquor into her drink, barely lightening the dark color formed by the cola. Laura wondered if the drink would have been stronger had she not teased Crystal about it but decided it didn't matter. They were going to relax on the couch and watch an exciting game of basketball together.

"Cute glass."

"You like?"

"It's nice." Crystal held up the yellow glass and looked at the brightly colored words proclaiming that she should smile because someone loves her. "Corny but nice."

"Well, it's true," Laura said, taking the soda bottle from her. "Whether you like it or not, people do love and care about you." "Uh huh," Crystal said dubiously, picking up Laura's glass. "I'll take these out there."

"Make sure you use a coaster."

Crystal feigned shock. "I wouldn't dream of doing anything else," she said.

"Sure, I believe that," Laura said. "I believe that as much as I believe you have some prime swampland in Florida for sale." "Cheap too," Crystal replied. "I'll make you an offer you can't refuse."

An hour later the two empty glasses sat on coasters on the coffee table, the ice having long since melted away. The score was lopsided, the visitors taking advantage of the home team's bad luck when their leading scorer fouled out early in the game. Laura found her attention often wandering away from the television to a more interesting subject. Crystal's hair was in need of a visit from a brush, the blonde locks going in all different directions. Laura's gaze moved down, studying the delicate curve of Crystal's nose and the soft full lips. There was no doubt that her roommate was beautiful but Laura found herself looking at Crystal in a different light than she had before. Stop that, Laura, she admonished herself. She's straight and you're not interested. Too much baggage, remember? At that moment the buzzer sounded and the television station broke to a commercial. Out of the corner of her eye Laura noticed it was a public service announcement about helping to prevent child abuse. Crystal's eyes never left the screen but even in profile her face told volumes about her feelings. Laura watched as Crystal's jaw clenched and her lips were drawn to a thin line. Still trying to protect that little girl inside, aren't you? The urge to reach over and hug Crystal grew but the writer remained steadfast in her seat. That's the surest way to send her running upstairs. She'd probably think I was hitting on her. As the commercial ended and the game resumed, Laura noticed happily that the sad look on Crystal's face disappeared. That's right, you just forget all about that and enjoy the game. "That Henderson girl is something, isn't she?" Laura asked.

"She can play basketball, that's for sure," Crystal replied. "I can't believe she made that one shot."

"The one where it kinda wobbled there on the hoop for a few seconds before it went in?"

"Yeah."

"That was a good shot," Laura agreed. "She was back past the half court mark when she threw that one."

"They're not going to win at this point. There's only two minutes left in the game."

"You're right. I'm sure Peter will be disappointed. He always has some money down on them." Laura leaned forward and picked up the remote. "So what do you want to do now? I think there's a late movie on ten."

"I have to get to bed," Crystal said before giving a long yawn. "Hopefully Michael has something else for me to do. We're almost done with the demolition."

"I'm sure he does," Laura said, pressing the red button and shutting off the television. "I didn't realize how late it was. You're going to be dragging tomorrow."

"Naw, I'm used to being up late and having to work without a lot of sleep." Crystal stood up and gave a cat like stretch, drawing her hands high above her head. "Are you going to bed?"

"I don't have to be up early. No, I'll probably turn the computer on and get back to work on my never ending story." Laura stood up as well and walked over to the light switch. "I need to do some research online for the next part."

"You think tomorrow you can show me that GED site you mentioned?"

"Sure. I'll find it tonight and bookmark it so we'll have it right there for you."

"You'll do what to it?" Crystal shook her head. "Never mind. It must be computerese or something."

Laura flipped two switches, shutting off the living room lights and turning on the ones over the stairs. "One of these days I'll get you so you're not afraid of computers."

"Yeah right," Crystal said dubiously. "Right after I win the lottery."

Laura started up the stairs behind her. "I hear that works better if you buy a ticket once in a while." When they reached the upper landing she reached out and touched Crystal's arm. "Wait a minute." Laura finished climbing the stairs and stood face to face with her roommate. "I just wanted to say good night," she began, pausing to choose her words. "You know if ever you want to hang out and watch TV with me, you're more than welcome."

"Thanks." Crystal looked away uncomfortably, then looked back. "I don't want to"

"Don't worry about it," Laura said, cutting off the younger woman. "You're good company and we had a nice chat." She seriously doubted Crystal ever had a close friend she could relax and just talk about everything and nothing to. Probably no one since her sister, Laura mused. "I'll find that GED site and we'll look at it together tomorrow night." She gave Crystal's arm a friendly squeeze. "Don't you worry. We'll get you through it with flying colors, I promise. I used to tutor my friends when I was in school and I helped them all raise their grades." Not releasing her hold on Crystal's arm, Laura stepped forward until they were only inches apart. "How do you feel about a hug goodnight?" Sensing Crystal's ambivalence, Laura took the initiative and wrapped her arms around the younger woman. Unlike the first time they had hugged, this time Laura was aware of the feminine body pressed against her own. Crystal was warm and soft, her shirt smelling faintly of sweat and cigarettes. "Sweet dreams," she whispered softly, smiling when she felt Crystal's arms go around her to return the embrace. See? It's okay to let someone in, Laura thought, giving one last squeeze before stepping back. "Sleep well."

"You too," Crystal said, reaching for her door handle. "Don't stay up too late."

"I won't," Laura promised. "I just have a few things to care of and then it's off to bed for me."

The 'few things' turned out to be not only finding the GED site but printing out all the different practice tests on each subject. While waiting for each page to print, Laura looked over the different questions. Oh that's easy. Everyone knows a triangle with all equal sides is an equilateral. This will be easy for her. Another test came out of the printer. Ugh. I forgot about history. I never could get those dates straight. She looked at the printed list of dates the exams would be given locally and felt certain that Crystal would be able to pass the test by the Spring. Hmm, six months to learn three plus years of high school stuff? Maybe by summer. The printer made one last pass before a beep announced that the print job was finished and the last page fell into the tray. Laura picked up her empty cup and stared at it as if that would make it suddenly fill with tea. Oh well, it's too late to bother making any more, she thought, setting the cup down and looking at the screen. Okay Laura, you've spent the last two hours printing out just about everything there could possibly be on this site. She looked at the nearly half a ream of paper neatly stacked next to the printer. Better not show Crystal that whole stack at once or she'll go screaming the other way. Heck, if I saw a stack like that of stuff to study I'd run the other way too. She absently clicked on the search icon, bringing up her favorite search engine. There was another matter involving her roommate that might be solved via the internet and despite the late hour Laura felt compelled to research it.